Stockport has been awarded £20m for a 'flagship' new community hub in the budget - just weeks after the council’s levelling up bid for the project was turned down. Disappointment has turned to delight after the government confirmed it would be funding a new facility in Marple, including a pool, library, gym and play park.
The town’s baths closed in 2018 - and in January local leaders were left furious by the government’s apparent snub, claiming they had been encouraged to resubmit ‘strengthened’ proposals. The reasoning behind the rapid about-face appears to be a mystery to town hall bosses, who have greeted the decision with jubilation but no little bafflement.
But council leader Mark Hunter said it was ‘great news for Marple and for Stockport'. “I’m delighted we have finally secured £20 million worth of Capital Levelling Up monies towards The Marple Active Communities Hub,” he said in a statement.
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"This will provide a much-needed new leisure, health and community space for the borough - in the heart of Marple. I’m excited to see the health and economic benefits this hub will bring to Stockport along with community pride.
This is just one example of where we have listened to the community and have taken action to provide a facility that local people have wanted in their area for a long time."
The overall scheme will also deliver a new fitness studio, community spaces and cycling and walking routes to Marple. It was one of just three ‘levelling up capital projects’ in the North West to share in the £58m of funding set aside in the budget.
Coun Colin MacAlister, cabinet member for regeneration, says the hub will make ‘a huge, positive impact on the prosperity, health and wellbeing of the residents of Marple and the borough’
“Marple has an older population but also has its share of social housing and is geographically isolated,” he added. "This new hub will really help to address the increasing health inequalities in Marple, adding to people’s quality of life, living longer and better and provide fabulous new facilities for the community.”
As well as delivering health and wellbeing benefits, the new complex is expected to generate extra footfall, creating new jobs and attracting people back into Marple centre.
The building will be made from sustainable materials and use the latest low carbon and energy technology. There will also be improved cycle and walking routes linking the hub to the centre of Marple and the Memorial Park as well as improved parking provision.
A planning application is expected to be submitted later this year.
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